Five Anti-Aging Super Foods

By making smarter food choices, you just might be able to add years to your life. Start by adding these antioxidant-rich foods to your daily diet and feel the difference.

Yogurt – yogurt is rich in calcium. Calcium is crucial for maintaining healthy bones and reducing your risk of osteoporosis. Yogurt also contains acidophilus or “good bacteria” for a healthy digestive system. It may help diminish the incidence of age-related intestinal illness.

Blueberries – in a landmark Tufts University study published in 1999, researchers gave rats blueberry extract for a period of time that in “rat lives” is equivalent to 10 human years. Those rats outperformed rats fed regular food on tests of balance and coordination when they reached old age. Compounds in blueberries (and other berries) reduce inflammation and oxidative damage, which are associated with age-related deficits in memory and motor function.

Dark Chocolate – dark chocolate is full of cocoa, which is unusually rich in flavanols that help preserve the healthy function of blood vessels. Maintaining youthful blood vessels lowers risk of high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, kidney disease and dementia.

Oily Fish – oily fish is an abundant source of healthy omega-3 fats, which help prevent cholesterol buildup in arteries and protect against abnormal heart rhythms.

Nuts – Nuts are rich sources of unsaturated fats, so they offer benefits similar to those associated with olive oil – including a reduced risk of heart disease. They’re also concentrated sources of vitamins, minerals and other phytochemicals, including anti-aging antioxidants.